What should you know before beginning Ozempic?
- What is this medication indicated for? Ozempic is indicated for treating obesity in patients with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or over, or 27 or over with a serious medical condition such as heart disease or high cholesterol. To find your BMI, go to the CDC’s website and plug your height and weight into the BMI calculator.
- How is Ozempic given? It is injected by the patient, with a small needle that slips under the skin into the fat tissue. It can be administered in the abdomen or thighs, or it can be injected into the arm by someone else. Most patients experience no or very minimal pain during the injection (the injection is very similar to insulin injections done by diabetic patients)
- What is the correct dose of this medication? The full dose is 2.0 mg, taken weekly (or 2.4 mg if Wegovy is prescribed)
- What are possible side effects?
Most side effects are gastrointestinal in nature and may be dose dependent. Some patients do not tolerate the maximum dose of 2.4 mg weekly and their meintenence dose is lower due to these side effects. The most common side effects that some patients experience are:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Abdominal pain
Ozempic should be considered as part of an overall weight loss and health plan, along with a diet rich in fruits and veggies and a regular program of physical activity. A healthy diet and exercise is always preferred over medications or surgery.
Where can I get Ozempic for weight loss?
QuickMD can prescribe Ozempic online and send the medication to your local pharmacy or have it mailed to your home. If during your consultation with the weight-loss team the joint decision is made that you are not a good candidate for this medication, your visit will be free. To get started, make an appointment either through video or phone here.